John Mooney Ruled Out Of World Twenty20

Ireland have been dealt a sizeable blow ahead of next month’s World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka with the news that influential all-rounder John Mooney has been ruled out with a fractured finger. He sustained the injury while playing for his club side North County and is expected to be out of action for three months.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons agrees it's a serious blow for both the player and Ireland as the squad for Sri Lanka was announced: "It's disappointing for both John (Mooney) and the team. He's suffered two finger injuries and this latest one won't heal in time for the start of the tournament. He's been a major part of the team for the last three or four years and it's disappointing we have to go without him. This will give others an opportunity to push for his place and stake a claim. We have guys who can come in and fill the spot and if selected can hopefully fill the role of John Mooney."

His replacement is Limavady all-rounder Stuart Thompson, who has just turned 21 and has been a regular in the ‘A’ side of late. Simmons said of him, "He's done well at ‘A’ team level and in the few senior games he's played this year. It's up to him to push and cement his place in the squad."

Other players included among the 15 are Boyd Rankin, who will represent Ireland for the final time at international level during the tournament after announcing his retirement from international duty at the behest of his county employers Warwickshire, and Middlesex seamer Tim Murtagh, who qualified as Irish earlier this year. George Dockrell, who is currently leading the Under-19 side in the World Cup in Australia, is also included.